You'll have absolutely no difficulty finding vegetarian food in Bali and Singapore.

The one place in Bali I always recommend against staying is Nusa Dua. It's a sterile, developed only for tourists place. Do opt for somewhere else for your beach stay.

If you search here on Bali, you'll find dozens and dozens of threads, both trip reports and people asking for advice. That's a good palce to start.

The St. Regis is new, so you won't find much information on it here. I agree with Kathie - and most others here - that Nusa Dua is the worst place to stay, assuming you want to actually feel like you're in a foreign country. Unfortunately, you don't have many options, since there aren't many Starwood properties in Bali. For your budget, you could get the Samaya in Seminyak, which is a much nicer place to stay.

The Viceroy is supposed to be nice. I really liked the Komaneka Tanggayuda, where each room had it's own plunge pool overlooking a river valley. You might also look at the Royal Pita Maha.

For beach - I am pretty much down to Samaya Seminyak, except the only place which shows availability for June 23-27 is travelocity (even the hotel's own website shows unavailable). So slightly skeptical on availability until the reservation goes through..

How does the Samaya compare to Oberoi?

For Ubud - still confused between Kayumanis and Komaneka Tanggayuda. Leaning towards the Komaneka after checking the reviews, and seems priced a lot lower than Kayumanis. Any comparisons? Is Kayumanis worth the extra dough?

mc, I haven't been to the new St. Regis in Nusa Dua, but I understand that it is quite luxe. I'm not a big fan of Nusa Dua either, but if your objective is to stay at a luxury beach resort and if the price is right it's worth consideration. It's a long sandy beach with a string of resorts so most of your dining choices would be at other resorts.

The Seminyak area is best for sophiticated restaurants, shopping spas and clubs. In Seminyak my favorite is the Legian. The studio suites are actually large rooms with separate seating area, big balconies over looking the sea and wonderful bathrooms. The Oberoi is an older property and -- in my opinion -- a bit worn out. I prefer the Legian to the Samaya, but some feel the opposite. They're right next door to each other.

Kayumanis is, again this is subjective, more sophisticated and luxurious than the Komaneka Tanggayda. I haven't stayed at either so I can't give you a personal opinion, but I would say, yes, a suite with a plunge pool overlooking the river valley at the Kayumanis would be worth it. I'd also look at Uma Ubud, the Four Seasons. I haven't been to the Viceroy.

Mid to late June shouldn't be busy in Bali. (This year, right?) Once you've narrowed in a one or two choices I'd call or e-mail the resorts yourself. Rates and/or extras will be negotiable.

Vegetarian choices will be available everywhere. Not something that you need to think about. Not much snorkling available in South Bali. If this is important you'd have to travel. Which brings another idea to mind: The Amankila. A wonderful honeymoon spot for ocean and culture.

I've stayed at the St. Regis in Singapore. Very new, somewhat overly glitzy for my taste, but well located with an eager to please staff. My preference would be the Four Seasons or if you want a "special occasion" place, Raffles.

PS, I'd also take a look at the Four Seasons in Jimbaran. Pretty villas with plunge pools and ocean views. Several internal dining choices, good access to area restaurants, great spa. Beach about the same as Nusa Dua, except you get sunset instead of sunrise.

Marmot, I am confused with the room categories in the Legian. Is there one which is a villa, with a beach view?

what are the Deluxe pool/beach bungalows?

On second thoughts here.. this will be the first 2-3 nights of my honeymoon and I am thinking I should splurge a bit. I am not sure if Legian, Oberoi or Samaya would be considered one. Samaya and Legian feel like the best value within a budget... not a special occasion place.

If I am looking to spend ~700/night for 2 nights and do a late check-out on the last, what are good options? I agree with all you folks that St Regis is in sterile Nusa Dua, but I am not sure of the Jimbaran either (Four Seasons).. seems to have mixed reviews. Would I be better off going to one of the Aman properties (Amankila?) Any other options...?

I just got back from Bali, Singapore & Thailand. Also did the SPG program. In Bali, we stayed at Le Meridien at Tanah Lot. Although the grounds were spectacular, it was a long way from anywhere, and has no beach. We got a villa for net $300/night, and it was lovely. From what I understand, snorkeling and diving are best on the east side.

The roads in Bali and small & windy, and it can take you a while to get anywhere. So my key advice is to stay closer to the things you want to do. We drove an hour to get to a beach - Nusa Dua in fact - where we could hang out by the water. There is a small 'public' beach between the resorts.

As for Singapore: we stayed at the St. Regis on points both going to and coming from Bali. It was one of the nicest hotel experiences I've ever had. The staff is truly great. I have no idea what to do with a butler, but we had one! Complimentary coffee delivery in the morning. Free pressing upon arrival. Great restaurant and hawker centre recommendations. Flexible when we changed our dates around. It is one of the few times I actually took a picture of a bathroom in a hotel!

I'm happy to send you a link to photos if you wish.

mc, First make sure you have the Legian in Seminyak (part of the GHM group). The resort is a three storey building right on the beach. It also has beautifully landscaped grounds and a lovely (but smallish) pool.

All of the rooms are called "suites" because they have a kitchenette and a living room area. The studios are one contiguous room with bed area and seating area. The one bedrooms have a separate bedroom with a door and a dining area. If you get one of the corner rooms you have full windows and balconies on two sides.

My husband and I usually get the studio suite and find it plenty spacious. The one bedrooms are especially nice, though.

All have big balconies overlooking the sea. The ones on level four have the best views. All have wonderful bathrooms. The decor is tasteful. The service is excellent. The restaurant and spa are very good, but expensive by Bali standards.

The Legian also operates a group of villas across the road from the main resort. These do not have ocean views, but they are well designed and private. They also have one BIG villa that is right on the beach and is stunning (also quite pricey).

I prefer the ambiance of the Legian to the Samaya or the Oberoi. All three are considered luxury properties, but I just like the style of Legian best. Others may feel otherwise.

I think Amankila would be a spectacular splurge. The only downside is that it's some distance from the airport (about 1.5 to 2.0 hours). I personally like the Four Seasons Jimabaran villas a lot, but I haven't stayed there for several years.

I second Marmot re The Legian.

But in case the St.Regis is a definite I have heard and read excellent reports.

The beach at Nusa Dua is better than Seminyak which is a mix of black and white sand .

I know lots on this board really dislike Nusa Dua but from 1982 to about'93 I stayed there a lot as the other options for lovely accommodation were limited to Sanur ( The Bali Hyatt and a few boutique properties)and Ubud .If you wanted a beach holiday and luxury or at least better than average rooms it was ' the go 'and there were often great pay for 7 and stay 10 or 14 nights deals .But I mixed it up with other parts of the island and Lombok .
Seminyak and beyond were coconut groves with warungs on them !! Now the options are much better .

I cannot comment on what it is currently like as I have not stayed there for years and perhaps that is why the advice of those who have done so recently is the best in the circumstances.

Seminyak / Batubelig / Canguu offer some excellent hotels and villas and certainly are the location of the best food . See www.balieats.com for the reviews .

So my advice is to stick with the St Regis if it is a great deal but I now also prefer The Legian and otherwise choose somewhere with a view of the Ayung River gorge in Ubud and you will be delighted .

marmot, if I am specific about villa accommodation, does that kill Legian for me? I would spend reasonable time in the room, and a regular suite feels claustrophobic for 2 days. Would you recommend heading over to one of the private villas instead? Seem to get reasonable options for USD 500/day with butler/car/food @ cost etc.. though too big for 2 of us, seems like pretty good value if in Seminyak or Sanur.

As an aside, how is the Gangsa, Sanur. Seems like a really nice place for the price.. 3 nights @ 950++.

John, Spending the first 3 nights in the beach area, and then heading for Ubud. I am leaning towards Kayumanis for 4 nights. Not sure if Kayumanis or any of the 1 bed-room villas have a view of Ayung river... even if at a premium.

forgot about the Regis. If I spend more than 500/night, I am thinking I should just go for the St Regis, because I have negotiated with them to let me upgrade to a strand villa @ garden villa rates (650++). Looks fabulous, at least on the pictures!

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/rooms/room_class_detail.html?propertyID=1708&roomClassId=83140055

There are zillions of villas in Bali and they almost all offer luxurious accommodations with added amenities. Some are attached to hotels/resorts -- like the Club at the Legian -- some are part of villa developments -- like the Gangsa in Sanur -- and some are individual properties rented by their owners -- there are many, many that fall into this category.

I like the idea of villas that are tied into a resort/hotel because then you get the best of both worlds, privacy plus service.

My advice would be to choose the area that appeals to you: Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Sanur, Seminyak. Then find a villa in that area. The number of choices can be bewildering and it's difficult to tell what the immediate surroundings are like from the internet. For example do you want to able to walk to the beach or to restaurants? It's best to find someone who's actually stayed there.

Wherever you end up the property configuration will be much the same -- open inside-outside architecture, plunge or lap pool, walled garden.

Kayumanis definitely has villas with fabulous views.

Bali discovery is stating they have a Kayumanis rate of 505/night with buy 3 for 4 nights. Except the guy is saying the 3 for 4 offer is only until Apr 30th (today!). Is it a bait and switch offer, or you reckon he is he telling the truth ? Is this a technique Bali discovery uses often?

although, it seems like a pretty good price for Kayumanis, and I am thinking of going for it. Just wondering if I should hurry it or can wait a few days.

I've never used Bali discovery. I'd e-mail or call the resort directly for a comparison. Business is slow. They will be negotiable.

Interesting information for folks interested in the Kayumanis in the future, difference between their private and deluxe villa.

Comparison of private vs deluxe
Area - 300 m2 vs 350 m2
Pool area - 4*6 m vs 4*8 m with waterfall
Age - 6 years vs 0.8 years
Bathtub - small vs larger
Bathroom - semi open vs full open inside villa premises
Kitchen - traditional vs modern
Sunshine - limited vs more for sunbathing
Dressing area - single vs twin vanities

I am trying to negotiate directly with the villa..the lady (Sri Les...) seems reasonably quick on responses.

I read today about a site called www.mrandmrssmith.com .I went and looked and recall they had a deal at Kayumanis so looked again just now .It is US$998 + 21%taxes for 3 nights in a deluxe private villa plus breakfast .It is a site worth looking at as it specialises in boutique properties around the world

Very cool site, JohnFitz!

I find the bali discover option of 4 nights at US$1515 including taxes a better deal. But excellent site for information/good deals.

Bali discover does seem to use bait and switch.. they have now extended deal until the 9th of May. And Kayumanis reservations refused to match the bali discovery rate! They suggested I book from bd instead..isnt that a bit strange considering they would also pay bd for the reservation?

For what it is worth I have used balidiscovery to make reservations and had no trouble save I seem to recall that they did not put the transaction through immediately .Fine for you being American and paying in US$ but for Aussies subject to currency swings it was annoying as of course the exchange rate was not as good when it went through .

Kayumanis may get a fixed % regardless of how much BD discount and so it matters not to them is my guess.

Bookmarking (I'm recently engaged and thinking about Bali for a honeymoon in June 2010!)